Wine & Dine: How to make the perfect French picnic
When it comes to al fresco dining, the humble picnic is close to the So Frenchy So Chic heart– there is simply nothing like stretching out on a soft patch of grass and unpacking a hamper or basket of delicious goodies and sharing with friends. It’s why, when it comes to So Frenchy So Chic , we love to offer our guests the option to pre-order a hamper from our cuisine partners (in 2019, these are Ed Dixon Food Design in Melbourne, Brown & Co. Catering in Adelaide and Simone Logue in Sydney) or pack their own picnic and bring it along on the day. Now that summer is here, we asked two of our foodie partners their tips on packing the perfect picnic and how to create a food envy-inducing cheeseboard.
Ed Dixion Fine Foods
- Keep it cool
“The key factors are making sure your food and drinks stay chilled and fresh. A good old Esky is key but we really recommend the best bubbles you can buy, don’t skimp, picnics are special.”
- Think small
“Great picnic foods are grazing items like cured meats, grilled vegetables and crusty bread -they are great to nibble at and make a lot of people happy. We are loving fresh seasonal ingredients like pea, mint, stone fruit, asparagus and green beans – big chunky salads to accompany the picky things are fab.
- Let there be cheese
“Cheese is always a definite winner- Australian marinated goats cheeses are perfect for picnics they come in a jar so don’t get messy! A stinky blue, the best brie (French, of course) you can afford and don’t forget the hard cheese– that one is always a winner with the kids.
- Keep it simple
“Desserts that work best are those that are easily eaten in your fingers with no crockery or cutlery – that’s why our brownie has been a winner for years, serve with juicy fat summer strawberries. Little bottles of mineral water work well as you don’t need glasses just some cute paper straws.”
- Plus the necessities
“Don’t forget the essentials: A gorgeous blanket, folding chairs, sunscreen, Aeroguard, hats, some great French tunes and all your favourite people!”
Simone Logue
- Add a touch of luxury
“Take along the best disposable plates and cutlery you can find such as bamboo and linen napkins to bring elegance and panache to your picnic occasion.”
- Mix it up
“Variety is really important to have at your picnic. I like to always pack a lovely fresh salad and take the vinaigrette in a separate small jar so you can dress the salad just before you serve.”
- Simple does it
“A nice freshly baked crusty baguette bumps along side an assortment of cheeses and nice perky table grapes beautifully.”
- Cheese board rules
“A good balanced cheese board should always have a hard cheese such as Comte, a soft cheese such as a lovely creamy Brie and last of all something with a bit of piquancy such as a blue or a sharp chèvre. I think a creamy duck or chicken pate or a Terrine with a little quince paste to accompany is always special.”
- End on a high
“Finish with something sweet like little petit fours and chocolate dipped strawberries!”
Join us : So Frenchy So Chic, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney festivals, January 11, 13 and 19, 2019. Book here.
